RightsNow Pakistan (RNP) & Human Rights Alliance (HRA) call upon the Pakistani Government to ensure security of refugees, extension of validity of the PoR (Proof of residency) cards for Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan. Pakistan is host to one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee situations with approximately 1.5 million registered and about a similar numbers or more unregistered Afghan refugees, most of whom fled the Soviet invasion in 1979. We believe that in all these years that number has increased because many Afghans have been born, schooled, raised and married whilst residing in Pakistan.

After skirmishes between Pakistan Afghan forces and escalation of tension on Torkhum border and ultimately killing of soldiers and injuries on both sides curfew was imposed and border was closed. This tension, violence and killings have negative impact on the security of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Increasing violence on border, allegation on Afghan refugees involved in terrorism and crimes and shrinking socioeconomic opportunities for host community is causing decrease in the tolerance level of host community. Statements of Federal Minister SAFRON & Advisor to Prime Minister on foreign affairs has confirmed it and on the other side voluntarily return of Afghan refugees to home seems very slow. 2015.

Civil Society Voice:

Civil society actors shared following concerns:

– Afghan refugees are doing cheap and low paid jobs in Karachi and rest of the country and job and employment opportunities for refugees are being shrunk creating hatred for refugees in locals.

– Under age Afghan children were seen working in factories in site areas in hazardous environment and they are also being sexually abused. Afghan children are being trafficked in Pakistan under an scheme and plan.

– Weapons and drugs are coming into Karachi/Sindh/Pakistan through refugees from Afghanistan and Afghanis are involved in crimes and terrorisms.

– Afghan leader are taking refugees in Pakistan but whenever they find opportunities, they use bad words for Pakistan, commit terrorism in the country. Former Afghan President Karazai was living in Quetta Pakistan for 20 years, Mullah Mansoor along with his two wives was living in Karachi and using Pakistan as shelter.

– During Cricket match there was clash between Pakistani and Afghan youth few days ago and they were using force and violence against each other.

– Afghan women are alluring Pakistan men and getting marriages with them for settlement in Pakistan and there is malafide in it.

– If Afghans in the name of refuge were not prevented will convert Pakistanis into minority.

– UNHCR, UN and international community is not acknowledging role of Pakistan and sacrifices of Pakistani where Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan like home.

Ration of returnees of Afghan refugees to homes seem decreasing which has further increased the concerns of host community who are also facing shortage f drinking water & other facilities. 6000 Afghans returned to Afghanistan in 2016, compared with 58,211 voluntary repatriation last year.

On 12 January 201, the Pakistan Government announced the extension of stay for registered Afghan refugees’ PROOF OF REGISTRATION (PoR) cards until 30 June 2016. We welcome that news and it was also applauded by Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and international community.

Currently practice of short extension by Pakistan Government is creating a strong sense of insecurity and uncertainty among refugees and they are facing a multitude of insecurities including risk of police abuses, exploitation and discrimination.

· RightsNow Pakistan & Human Rights Alliance recommend the Gover of Pakistan to extend the legal residency status of Afghan refugees at least until 31st December 2017 and meanwhile Pakistan Afghanistan Iran and UNHCR and work out a resettlement strategy or other long term solution.

· Take immediate action to ensure that police and other law enforcement agencies cease any abusive and extortive practices towards Afghan refugees.

· Prosecute any person, law enforcement or otherwise, that is found to exploit or abuse refugees, regardless of whether they hold a PoR card or not.

· Take extra measure to ensure women, children, citizens of different orientation and other vulnerable groups in the refugee community.

· Ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the status of Refugees and/or its 1967 protocol and enact national law reflect protection of refugees enshrined in international law.

· We urge UNHCR, international community to fully support & fund efforts of Pakistan Government to provide protection to Afghan refugees.

· We urge UN/international community/ Pakistan Government to verify the facts of involvement of refugees in crime/terrorism activities/support a research so the real situation can be found.

· We urge media & civil society to help Pakistan Government & international community in ensuring protection or refugees while their stay in Pakistan and their safe and voluntary return to their homeland.

· NARDA ensures its employee must not issue fake NICs to aliens and if anyone caught with fake NIC card must be penalized severely.

· Afghan Children and children from other countries are being trafficked to Pakistan and being forced to work in factories in hazardous environment so Pakistani agencies (FIA, Rangers) UN take it notice.

· These under age children including Afghan children seen as refugees are also sexually abused in Karachi.

· Afghanis working in the name of Pukhtoons on different job on low wages and salaries need to be registered and should not be allowed without any registration as low paid employees.

· Pakistan-Iran- Afghanistan Government must find durable solution of Afghan refugees and UN and international community should support Iran Pakistan and Afghanistan.

· A thorough investigation must be undertaken to see the involvement of refugees in crime and terrorism.

· Census must be held to know the ratio of increase in population and population’s composition will identified and legal status of individuals living in Karachi and Pakistan will be known.

· No one in Karachi or Pakistan should rent out house to anyone without government permission.

· Strong vigilance and security be deployed on Pakistan-Afghanistan border and gate construction must be completed without any delay.